Pro Cycling News From the USA Pro Challange

Leipheimer, Vande Velde, and Van Garderen to Battle for USA Pro Challenge Title in Denver Time Trial

Phinney and Zabriskie to race for stage victory as GC riders fight for glory

whit yost

(Photo by Levi Leipheimer time trialing at the Critérium du Dauphiné. (James Startt))

The 2012 USA Pro Challenge ends on Sunday with a 9.5-mile individual time trial in downtown Denver. For men like Levi Leipheimer, the current overall leader, Christian Vande Velde, and Tejay van Garderen, Stage 7 is the final showdown to determine the seven-day-event’s overall champion. And for time-trial specialists such as Taylor Phinney and David Zabriskie, it’s the last chance to score a stage win. Here’s a run-down of Sunday’s riders to watch.

Levi Leipheimer (Omega Pharma-Quick Step)
Leipeheimer’s attack inside the final few kilometers on Flagstaff Mountain netted the 38-year-old the yellow jersey and, perhaps more important, the honor of being the last rider to start Stage 7’s time trial. By starting last, Levi will know all his opponents’ time splits and just how hard he needs to ride to defend his lead. A proven time trialist who has won several stage races by virtue of being the fastest against the clock, Leipheimer is in the perfect position to defend his overall title in the USA Pro Challenge.
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Sharp)
On Flagstaff Mountain, Garmin-Sharp’s Vande Velde finally got the better of BMC’s Tejay van Garderen. Unfortunately, Levi Leipheimer finished ahead of both of them. That said, with only eight seconds separating him from the race leader, Vande Velde can be counted upon to record one of the best times in Denver. Vande Velde started his career on the track and was known for his ability in shorter time trials. With the chance to take the biggest win of his career only eight seconds away, he’ll be extra motivated.
Tejay van Garderen (BMC)
Despite losing the yellow jersey on Flagstaff Mountain, all is not lost for van Garderen. By limiting his losses and finishing only 29 seconds behind Leipheimer, van Garderen kept himself within shouting distance of the overall victory. A 21-second deficit will be tough overcome in only 9.5 miles, but if anyone can do it, Tejay can.
Andreas Kloden (RadioShack-Nissan)
RadioShack-Nissan’s best-placed rider, Andreas Kloden, sits sixth overall—only five seconds from the final podium. A talented time trialist who has grown stronger throughout the week, Kloden could easily ride his way into the top three.
Ivan Rovny (RusVelo)
RusVelo’s Ivan Rovny slipped from third to ninth overall on Flagstaff Mountain. A terrific time trialist who put on an impressive display of his climbing ability this week, the young Russian gets to ride his signature event in Denver. A fast time could launch him into the top five.
Peter Velits (Omega Pharma-Quick-Step)
Always a safe bet to record a fast time in an individual time trial, Velits finished seventh and fourth in both long time trials at the Tour de France. A good time for Velits would also benefit Leipheimer, as the Slovak’s time splits would help Levi gauge his own effort later in the day.
Taylor Phinney (BMC)
Without question, Taylor Phinney is the top favorite to win the stage. The fourth-place finisher in the Olympic event, Phinney won the prologue of the Tour of Italy and excels in shorter time trials. While the American has worked hard on behalf of Tejay van Garderen throughout the week, Stage 7 seems Taylor-made for the young American.
David Zabriskie (Garmin-Sharp)
If there’s one rider who could defeat Phinney in Denver, it’s Garmin-Sharp’s David Zabriskie. The reigning national champion, Zabriskie spent the race’s early stages turning himself inside out on behalf of Christian Vande Velde and Tom Danielson. But Sunday in Denver, there’s no one else to ride for other than himself. Look for Zabriskie to join Phinney at the top of the Stage 7 standings.